Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades:
https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee

Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor

Curious about career opportunities for women in the trades? In part 2, host Concetta Defa continues the conversation about launching a career in the skilled trades with Janaya Nelson, Labor Steward & Auditor, Kinzie Taylor, Electrical Apprentice, and Liz Wilhelmsen, Electric Utility Groundman.

The group shares how organizations like Utah Women in Trades and Boston Union Trade Sisters empower women and build vital support networks across the country. You'll hear firsthand about the impact of pre-apprenticeship programs, mentorship, and events like Trades Women Tuesdays in guiding newcomers into rewarding careers. The guests discuss their own trade journeys, highlight the importance of mentorship, and offer tips for making the right career choice. Unique projects, personal motivations, and practical advice for navigating these male-dominated fields are all on the agenda.

Utah Women in Trades: https://www.utahwomenintrades.org/

Boston Union Trade Sisters: https://www.facebook.com/groups/249956640117535/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m35M0gxTKHI

Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gy9xEnwWRlI

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "Find Your Fit – Stop Dreaming. Start Building" from January 6th, 2026.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades:

https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee

Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor

Thinking about a career in the trades, but not sure which path is right for you? This Power Hour brings authentic stories from women at various stages of their trade careers, who've navigated the process of choosing their own skilled trade. Join Jenaya Nelson, Labor Steward & Auditor, Kinzie Taylor, Electrical Apprentice, and Liz Wilhelmsen, Electric Utility Groundman as they share practical advice and honest reflections to help you find your best fit.

You'll hear how the journey often starts without a clear direction and how exploration, conversation, and hands-on experience reveal the trade that matches your strengths and interests. The guests discuss challenges, adapting to changing work environments, and overcoming limitations, as well as the support systems and mentorships that make a difference. You'll get a candid look at workplace culture, team dynamics, and confidence-building stories to help you make the right choice for your future in the trades.

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Gy9xEnwWRlI

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "Find Your Fit – Stop Dreaming. Start Building" from January 6th, 2026.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades:

https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee

Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor

Curious how women find support, mentorship, and belonging in the energy trades?

In this episode, brought to you by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), host Concetta Defa continues the conversation with professionals Erin Sullivan, Foreperson E-J Electric, Savy Francis, Pipefitter, and Amber Norred, Journey Level Operating Engineer, who dig into what workplace culture and support systems look like for women in skilled trades.

For Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yBOm2A1d8kc

For Part 2 (this episode) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3_-KHHgxZNw

The panel discusses the importance of both local and national networks like Trades Women Build Nations and Boston Union Trade Sisters, and shares first-hand accounts of how mentorship shapes personal and professional growth. You'll hear real stories about rising through the ranks, getting involved in union leadership, and how women support each other on the job every day. The episode offers practical advice for those interested in apprenticeships and starting a trade career, and explores what truly helps women feel welcome—not just accepted—in the industry.

If you're searching for guidance, camaraderie, or inspiration in energy careers, these stories show how powerful it is to connect, support, and pay it forward. Subscribe for more conversations about energy industry opportunities and how women are leading the way in the skilled trades.

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "Workplace Culture & Support Systems" from December 16th, 2025.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades:

https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee

Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor

In this episode, brought to you by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), host Concetta Defa is joined by professionals Erin Sullivan, Foreperson E-J Electric, Savy Francis, Pipefitter, and Amber Norred, Journey Level Operating Engineer, who share their unique journeys to fulfilling and unexpected roles in unions, energy, construction, and heavy equipment operation.

The focus is on workplace culture and the support systems for those in the energy sector. The panel reflects on finding purpose in skilled trades and the value of hands-on apprenticeships. They share stories about navigating career changes into leading roles in energy and construction, and talk about the power of support systems, mentorship, and trade women's networks like Trade Women Build Nations.

Solidarity, union culture, and career advancement impact workplace satisfaction and representation for women. So tune it to hear the panel's real advice on breaking into the trades, overcoming obstacles, and accessing training programs.

If you're seeking inspiration, guidance, or a community in the energy industry, this episode is for you! Stay tuned for part two for even more stories from Erin, Savy, and Amber.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yBOm2A1d8kc

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring Power Hour episodes from Hire PowHER!

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "Workplace Culture & Support Systems" from December 16th, 2025.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades:

https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee

Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor

In this episode of PowHer Hour, host Concetta Defa, an electrician by trade, continues her conversation with industry leader Vicki O'Leary, Director of Diversity and General Organizer for Ironworkers International, about wages, benefits, and career pathways that support women in the skilled trades.

They dive into researching wages and benefits for any skilled trade in your local area, the unique perks like off-the-job injury coverage, and why apprenticeships count toward college credits and open doors for career advancement—even a path to degrees! Vicki shares the story behind the Ironworkers' groundbreaking maternity leave benefit and its impact across the trades, as well as the power of mentorship, grit, and determination in navigating your first year in this industry.

Watch Part 1 of "Money, Money, Money" on YouTube: https://youtu.be/emL9j_5Az6o

Watch Part 2 (this episode) of "Money, Money, Money" on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JN8dlXusQgc

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring Power Hour episodes from Hire PowHER!

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "Money, Money, Money" from December 2nd, 2025.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades:

https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee

Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor

In this episode, brought to you by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), host Concetta Defa is joined by industry leader Vicki O'Leary, Director of Diversity and General Organizer for Ironworkers International, to dive deep into what pay and compensation really look like for tradeswomen.

In part 1 of "Money, Money, Money", Concetta and Vicki talk about how union wage structures and benefits work, including full family healthcare and pensions. They talk about what to expect in terms of career growth and financial milestones, and how pre-apprenticeship programs and organizing empower women to find the right fit in the trades. Learn about the diversity of energy sector projects—from offshore wind to solar fields and nuclear work - and how tradeswomen earn equal pay and advance quickly compared to other careers, despite the myths you may have heard.

If you're considering a career in the energy industry, want insider tips on maximizing your earning potential, or just love hearing inspiring stories from passionate tradeswomen, this episode is for you! Don't miss part two for even more details about money in the trades.

Check this episode out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/emL9j_5Az6o

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring Power Hour episodes from Hire PowHER!

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "Money, Money, Money" from December 2nd, 2025.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades:

https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee

Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor

Curious about what it takes to build a long-term career in the energy sector? Host Concetta Defa, an electrician by trade, resumes the conversation with energy professionals Saria Gwin-Maye, Journeyman Ironworker, Sammy Cossairt, Tower Crane Operator, and Sabrina St. Pierre, Journey Level Refractory.

In this conversation, the panel dives into the physical and mental demands of skilled trades—and how to navigate teamwork on the job site and stay safe. They share stories about navigating real-life challenges and successes, including how women compensate for physical limitations by leveraging unique strengths. Learn about certifications, expanding skillsets for career mobility, the unique world of crane operation, and transitioning from the military to trades, with firsthand stories of camaraderie, union support, and overcoming adversity.

Don't miss Sammy Cossairt's original song about tradeswomen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5DljsxXvTM

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

To hear from Traci Mitts, Journey Level Industrial Painter, Chantel Richard, Journey Level Electrician, and Jessica Downey, Journey Level Lineworker, check out Part 1: https://youtu.be/lF609u89GS4

And Part 2: https://youtu.be/w_zBK7Wc78g

Check out Part 3 for more from Saria Gwin-Maye, Sammy Cossairt, and Sabrina St. Pierre: https://youtu.be/uteutYGwxg4

Part 4, this episode, on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VAUAwHfV6RI

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring Power Hour episodes from Hire PowHER!

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "A Closer look at high demand skilled trades careers within the energy industry – Part 2" from November 5, 2025.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

In this episode of Hire PowHER!, brought to you by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, host Concetta Defa guides you through an inspiring conversation with women thriving as a Bricklayer, Crane Operator, and Ironworker.

Discover what it's really like to work in energy trades as Saria Gwin-Maye, Journeyman Ironworker, Sammy Cossairt, Tower Crane Operator, and Sabrina St. Pierre, Journey Level Refractory, share their personal journeys—how they got started, overcame challenges, and built rewarding careers.

What do bricklayers, crane operators, and iron workers actually do on job sites? You'll hear first-hand stories about tackling confined spaces, climbing high towers, and working with crews to keep plants operational and safe. The panel discusses the realities of travel and shift work, and shares practical tips for choosing the right trade and finding entry points in the energy sector

Don't miss Sammy Cossairt's original song about tradeswomen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5DljsxXvTM

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

Watch Part 3 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uteutYGwxg4

To hear from Traci Mitts, Journey Level Industrial Painter, Chantel Richard, Journey Level Electrician, and Jessica Downey, Journey Level Lineworker, check out
Part 1: https://youtu.be/lF609u89GS4

And Part 2: https://youtu.be/w_zBK7Wc78g

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring Power Hour episodes from Hire PowHER!

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "A Closer look at high demand skilled trades careers within the energy industry – Part 2" from November 5, 2025.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/